Nahid demands arrests over Radda clinic demolition, questions govt authority
NCP leader calls for prosecution of those involved in the clinic's alleged vandalism, looting and demolition.
Highlights:
- NCP leader questions police role during overnight demolition
- Clinic operator alleges more than Tk1.5 crore in losses
- Four people arrested in connection with the incident
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the alleged vandalism, looting and demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, saying the incident exposed serious concerns about law and order in the capital.
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In a statement posted today (26 September) in the NCP Media Connect WhatsApp group, Nahid described the incident as a "terrible example" of how fragile the country's law-and-order situation had become.
He said the centre had provided healthcare and vaccination services to mothers and children for 50 years.
"The silent and indifferent role of the law enforcement agencies while vandalism and looting continued throughout the night is deeply concerning. A country cannot be run this way," he said.
Nahid also questioned the government's authority after the clinic was demolished and allegedly occupied.
"Even in the heart of the capital, the demolition and occupation of a hospital, like an attempt to seize a piece of land, has raised questions among the public about whether there is actually any government in the country," he said.
He said local residents had alleged that BNP reserved women's seat lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti and an influential leader of Dhaka North BNP were behind the vandalism and occupation.
Nahid also criticised the home minister, describing what he called the minister's "effectively inactive role" amid the deterioration of law and order as "a disgrace to the entire nation".
"Our clear demand is that everyone involved in the vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre must be arrested immediately and brought to justice," he said.
He also called for those behind the incident to be identified, brought under the law and given exemplary punishment.
Between midnight and 2am yesterday (25 September), a group of 200–250 people, allegedly carrying local weapons and wearing masks, took two security guards hostage and raided the clinic, according to the complaint filed by its authorities.
The group allegedly looted and demolished the establishment using heavy machinery.
Radda MCH-FP Centre's Executive Director Dr Nasrin Akhter filed a case with Shah Ali Police Station against Mirpur BNP leader Hanif Mia and 200–250 unidentified people, accusing them of trespassing, theft and threats and claiming more than Tk1.5 crore in damages.
The clinic had provided primary healthcare, EPI vaccination and family planning services to poor and underprivileged people at the site since 1976.
Four people were arrested earlier today in connection with the attack, looting and demolition of the clinic.
Shah Ali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahangir Hossain confirmed the arrests but did not disclose their identities. He said the suspects had admitted to carrying out the attack in exchange for money.
The OC also acknowledged that police were present at the scene while the attack and demolition were taking place, but did not provide a clear explanation as to why the police failed to stop the attackers or detain anyone at the time.
Hanif Mia has denied allegations of involvement in the incident. The attackers were reportedly carrying a banner of Sammona Dokandar Samabaya Samity Limited.
